PMI initiative having impact

Philip Morris International said yesterday that the response to PMI IMPACT, its new global funding initiative for third party projects dedicated to fighting smuggling and related crimes, had exceeded expectations with more than 200 expressions of interest submitted in the first funding round.

PMI has pledged US$100 million for three funding rounds.

“We are delighted to see that PMI IMPACT has been well-received and that a broad range of organizations recognized the need to join forces to eliminate illegal trade in its many forms, said Alvise Giustiniani, PMI’s vice president illicit trade strategies and prevention, in a note posted on the company’s website. “With the leadership of the Expert Council, PMI IMPACT will provide resources for the best proposals to bring innovative and lasting solutions.”

‘The Expert Council comprises external independent experts with impeccable credentials in the fields of law, anti-corruption and law enforcement,’ the note said. ‘The experts will evaluate the project proposals that are suitable for funding.

‘In total, 170 organizations including government agencies, universities and research institutes, NGOs, and private entities have proposed more than 200 projects under three focus areas: research, education and awareness, and action. Submissions come from 42 countries, primarily in Europe and North America.

‘For its first funding round, PMI IMPACT called for projects that could have an impact on illegal trade and related crimes in the European Union. Organizations based anywhere in the world were invited to apply, as long as they could demonstrate an impact within the EU, including an impact on the illegal tobacco trade.

‘Expressions of interest will now go through due diligence checks and quality assessment by the Expert Council. Applicants that pass this stage will be invited to submit their full proposals. The selection process will be completed by Q2 2017.’

More information on PMI IMPACT is available at: http://www.pmi-impact.com/.